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Oklahoma State Football: New offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich arrives as a student more than a teacher

MIKE YURCICH — Those expecting Mike Yurcich to put his mark on the Oklahoma State offense will have to wait awhile. The new Cowboys coordinator says he's coming to learn first.

By GINA MIZELL •
Published: March 7, 2013

STILLWATER — Mike Yurcich got the initial call from Mike Gundy about his open offensive coordinator position the first week of February.

OKLAHOMA STATE UNIVERSITY / OSU / COLLEGE FOOTBALL: New Oklahoma State offensive coordinator Mike Yurcich is pictured during a 2012 game at Shippensburg University. PHOTO COURTESY BILL SMITH, Shippensburg Sports Information ------- KOD

A little more than a month later, he's prepping for his first spring directing the Cowboys' offense after making the jump from Division II's Shippensburg University.

Speaking publicly for the first time since being hired, Yurcich had a teleconference with local reporters Thursday morning to discuss his transition, learning the Air Raid spread offense, the upcoming quarterback competition and, yes, Star Wars Legos.

What has the transition period over the last month been like for you?

“Getting the family moved was a priority. They're here in Stillwater now, so that's a good thing. They're all settled in. That was a big deal. And just trying to get familiar with the offense. I've tried to watch as much film as possible, going back to last year, 2011 and 2010. Just getting my hands on as much film as possible and just trying to get with the staff. It seems like there's a lot to do. And recruiting, as well. It's all been kind of a whirlwind, but just trying to take one thing at a time and trying to juggle a couple things, as well.”

I know it's difficult to truly evaluate until you see players on the field, but what are your early thoughts on the pieces you have in this offense and, specifically, the three quarterbacks?

“Overall, from a personnel standpoint, I'm very impressed with who we are. As far as the quarterbacks go, I'm going to hold off all assessments until I'm able to see them live and in person throughout spring drills and spring practice.”

How similar is this offense to what you ran at Shippensburg?

“I would say very similar. We did a few things in the run game that were a little bit different, but for the most part, there is a lot of carryover.”

Is there a balance between staying true to this system and putting your own spin on it?

“I'll be quite frank with you. Right now, I'm so involved with trying to learn the Oklahoma State offense that I have, really, not even come close to trying to tweak or adjust or develop the offense. I want to get involved and learn what these players know and what they've been good at. I'll be honest with you, I don't know where the tweaks will come and when they will come, if they will come. The offense is gonna be designed around these players and what they can do, but also what we've done in the past. This system will stay intact, and it's my duty right now to learn that. That's really been my focus.”